Tire wear prediction operating procedures
Aircraft tires must ensure safe take-off and landing under harsh conditions, such as heavy loads, at high speeds and across a range of temperatures. Typically, aircraft tires need to be replaced after several hundred take-offs and landings. However, the wear rate varies due to factors such as aircraft usage and airport conditions. This variability has made scheduling tire replacements difficult, often leading to unscheduled replacements.
To address this issue, Bridgestone partnered with JAL to develop procedures for scheduled tire replacements. By combining JAL’s flight data with Bridgestone’s tire expertise and digital wear prediction technologies, both companies suggest they have created accurate predictions for optimal tire replacement times. These procedures have been in use for regional jet aircraft operated by J-AIR (JAL’s regional airline) since May 2020.
Ryo Tamura, director, managing executive office and senior vice president of engineering and maintenance for JAL, commented, “This initiative represents a significant digital transformation within our company. Bridgestone’s expertise and digital technologies have greatly improved our work environment and enhanced safety and security. We will continue to advance our collaboration, creating new value and contributing to aviation technology and society.”
Over four years, these procedures have improved tire replacement efficiency, reduced and stabilized tire and wheel stocks and lowered CO2 emissions from production and use. The accurate prediction model has transformed tire replacements from unscheduled tasks into scheduled ones, reducing unscheduled overtime for maintenance staff and improving preventive maintenance quality.
Nobuyuki Tamura, VP and senior officer for global mining, industrial, construction and aviation tire solutions business (G-MICA) at Bridgestone Corporation, added, “We are delighted to enhance productivity and economic value in tire replacement operations and sustainability through our collaboration with JAL. We will continue to amplify social and customer value, aligning with our corporate commitment, the ‘Bridgestone E8 Commitment.'”
The companies say they will continue their collaboration to create new value and contribute to the aviation industry’s development.
